The Denver Broncos have had a busy week of transactions.
The moves started Tuesday when the team signed wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith to the practice squad and released receiver Michael Bandy to make room for him. Denver also waived cornerback Essang Bassey on Tuesday.
After that, the Broncos promoted running back Dwayne Washington from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, then they re-signed Bandy to the practice squad on Wednesday.
Denver also plans to release outside linebacker Randy Gregory, but that move is not official at the time of publication.
Additionally, Denver designated pass rusher Baron Browning safety P.J. Locke to return to practice, opening a 21-day window for both players to return to the active roster.
More roster moves might be on the way later this week as offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (hand) and cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) are also eligible to return from injured reserve.
If any players are activated from IR or the PUP list to the 53-man roster, the Broncos will have to make corresponding moves to make room for them. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at the roster moves the club made between Tuesday and Wednesday.
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Smith is a 27-year-old vet who played under Sean Payton in New Orleans. He’ll provide more depth at receiver and will likely end up on the 53-man roster later this season.
(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Procedural moves for Bandy, who had to be cut to make room for Smith before Washington was elevated. He’s back now providing depth at WR.
(AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)
Bassey was benched on Sunday as the Broncos played Ja’Quan McMillian in the slot instead. Bassey was claimed off waivers by the Chargers on Wednesday. He has spent his entire career bouncing between the Broncos and Chargers.
(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Washington used up his three practice squad elevations over the last three games, so the Broncos are now added him to the active roster so he can continue contributing on special teams.
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
*This move is not yet official, but if the Broncos are not able to find a trade partner, Gregory will be released in the coming days.
(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Browning and Locke both returned to practice Wednesday. The next step would be for the players to be activated from PUP and IR lists, respectively, promoting them to the 53-man roster. Locke seems likely to be activated before Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Browning might need another week or so before returning to game action.